I smile at him as he reaches across the table to take my hand in his.
“Laugh,” he orders as a smile fills his face.
I do as he asks and start laughing. I even go as far as tucking back the hair on my face.
“He’s turning red. Maybe this isn’t a good idea. I don’t want him to kill me. I do value my life.” Matt pulls away.
“It’ll be fine. Lo doesn’t want me, remember?”
Oh yeah. I told him the entire story while we sat here waiting. I thought he should know the cause he rallied behind. My heart warmed when I saw the anger on my behalf.
“I think you’re wrong about him. He’s coming this way.”
I roll my eyes as I reach across the table and take Matt’s hand in mine again. “Yeah, to order me home like a good little girl. He doesn’t view me as a woman. He views me as a little girl who needs to be protected.”
Matt shrugs as he leans back in his chair. Reluctantly, I give him his hand back.
I feel him before I see him. All six foot six of him. As he steps up to the side of the table, I turn and look at him with feigned surprised.
“Lorenzo. What are you doing here?”
He grabs my arm and pulls me up. “We need to talk.”
His teeth are clenched, so I’m only assuming I heard him correctly. I try to pull out of his grasp, but he growls at me. I let out a sigh and turn to Matt. “I’ll be right back, Matt.”
I pat his hand as Lo carts me off. He pulls me down a side hall leading to the restroom. Once at the end of the hall, he releases me.
“What are you doing here?” he barks at me.
Looking for you.
∞∞∞
Lorenzo
What is she doing here?
Having her here in my favorite hangout is a nightmare. This isn’t the place for good girls. This is where the criminals and deviants hang out. My inner need to sweep her out of here and take her some place safe consumes me.
“I asked you a question.” I know I’m barking out orders at her now, but the anger I keep hidden is bubbling to the top.
“I’m on a date.”
I didn’t think my blood could boil any higher. I was wrong.
“He brought you here?” The fact that Matteo considered this place appropriate makes me sneer.
“No, I brought him here. I wanted to check the place out, experience what all the hype is about.”
She’s acting nonchalant, but there’s a look in her eyes I’m unable to place.
“This isn’t a safe place, Mia. You need to go.” I grab her arm to haul her out the back, but she pulls back, struggling against me.
“Matt will keep me safe. Plus, Angelo is outside. I think I’ll be just fine, but thank you for worrying.”
At the mention of his name, I want to hit something. I crowd into her space, backing her against the wall. My mind briefly flashes to the last time I had her in this position.
Not the time, Lo.
